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To make these delicious Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon cornstarch These ingredients come together to create a tasty snack. The rolled oats provide a chewy base, while the strawberries add a burst of flavor. You can easily find these items at your local store. Just remember to use fresh strawberries for the best taste. Each ingredient plays a role in making these bars flavorful and enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, take a 9x9 inch baking pan. Grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. In a large bowl, mix together the following ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt Stir well until the mixture is crumbly. Save about 1 cup of this oat mixture for topping later. Now, firmly press the remaining oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. This creates a solid crust. In another bowl, toss together 2 cups of sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. This combination thickens the strawberries and boosts their flavor. Spread this strawberry mixture evenly over the oat crust in the pan. Then, sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top. This crumbly layer adds texture. Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden top and bubbly strawberries. Once done, let them cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing into bars. For the best texture, cool them completely before removing from the pan. Enjoy your delicious strawberry oatmeal bars! Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This step is key for a clean slice. If you cut them too soon, they might crumble. After cooling, the bars firm up nicely, making them easier to handle. You can add a few toppings to boost flavor. Try drizzling melted chocolate over the top. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts for crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and looks nice. For a fruity twist, mix in raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars. If your oven runs hot, check them a bit early. If they seem soft in the middle, add a few extra minutes. You want a golden top and bubbly strawberries. This ensures the best texture and flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, ripe strawberries. Frozen strawberries can become mushy and affect the bar's consistency. Experiment with Sweeteners: Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile. Adjust sweetness according to your preference. Let It Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from crumbling. Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. {{image_2}} You can switch up the strawberries for other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries work great. You can even mix fruits for a fun twist. Try peaches or apples for a different flavor. Each fruit brings its own taste, making these bars unique. Want to make these bars gluten-free? Use gluten-free oats and flour. For a vegan option, swap the butter for coconut oil. Use maple syrup instead of honey. These easy changes keep the bars delicious while fitting your diet. Adding spices can boost the flavor. A dash of cinnamon gives warmth and depth. Nutmeg adds a lovely, earthy taste. You can also try a hint of ginger for a little zing. These spices make the bars even more inviting and tasty. To keep your strawberry oatmeal bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out. You can place a layer of parchment paper between the bars for easy removal. If you have extra bars, stack them with parchment in between to avoid sticking. To freeze the bars, first let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you want to eat one, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. At room temperature, the bars will stay fresh for about four days. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. Keeping them cold helps preserve their flavor and texture. Enjoy these bars as a quick snack or a tasty breakfast treat. Yes, you can use other grains. Quinoa flakes or barley flakes work well. They provide a similar texture but may change the flavor slightly. To reduce the sweetness, cut back on the brown sugar. You can also swap honey for unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the bars moist without adding extra sugar. These bars pair well with yogurt or a scoop of ice cream. You can also add fresh fruit on the side. Drizzling some honey or maple syrup enhances the flavor too. This blog post showed you how to make tasty Strawberry Oatmeal Bars. You learned about the key ingredients like oats, strawberries, and honey. I shared step-by-step instructions for mixing and baking. Plus, you got helpful tips for texture and flavor. Remember, you can make this recipe your own with different fruits or dietary tweaks. Storage options keep them fresh for later. I hope you feel ready to try this easy recipe and enjoy every bite!

Strawberry Oatmeal Delight Bars

Delicious bars made with rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and fresh strawberries, perfect for a snack or dessert.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined; the mixture should be crumbly.
  • Set aside about 1 cup of the oat mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a crust.
  • In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with lemon juice and cornstarch. This will help thicken the berry mixture and enhance its flavor.
  • Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the oat crust in the baking pan.
  • Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top of the strawberries to create a crumbly topping.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the strawberries are bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before slicing into bars.
  • For best texture, let the bars cool completely before removing them from the pan.

Notes

Cut into squares and serve on a wooden board or platter. For an added touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little honey before serving.
Keyword bars, dessert, oatmeal, strawberry